CARE International Country Director Job 2026 in Poland: Senior NGO Leadership Opportunity
CARE International is seeking an experienced leader for the position of Country Director in Warsaw, Poland. This senior humanitarian and development opportunity is suited to professionals with extensive management experience, strong fundraising capabilities and a background in international development, humanitarian assistance and organisational leadership.
The successful candidate will lead CARE’s strategy and operations in Poland, overseeing programmes, financial management, staff development, partnerships and resource mobilisation. The role also involves supporting humanitarian responses for refugees from Ukraine, with particular attention to the needs of women and girls.
This is a full-time, locally recruited position offering an opportunity to lead humanitarian and development initiatives in a complex operating environment. Applicants must already have legal authorisation to work in Poland, as international relocation and visa sponsorship are not available.
CARE International Country Director Job Details
- Organisation: CARE International
- Job Title: Country Director – Poland
- Location: Warsaw, Poland
- Job Category: Humanitarian and Development Management
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Recruitment Type: Local recruitment
- Travel Requirements: Up to 20%
- Language Requirements: English and Polish
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Experience: At least 10 years of senior management experience in international development and humanitarian assistance
- Application Deadline: Not specified in the supplied vacancy information
- Salary: Not specified for this Poland-based position
About the Country Director Position
CARE International is a global humanitarian and development organisation working to reduce poverty and social injustice. Its programmes focus on improving the lives of vulnerable communities and promoting equality, particularly for women and girls.
The Country Director will serve as CARE’s legal representative in Poland and lead the country’s strategy, programmes and operations. Reporting to the Regional Director, the successful candidate will be accountable for programme quality, organisational performance, financial sustainability and the overall impact of CARE’s work.
A key area of responsibility will be ensuring that humanitarian programmes respond effectively to the needs of refugees from Ukraine and host communities. The position requires an adaptable leader who can respond to changing political, social and economic circumstances while maintaining strong operational standards.
Key Responsibilities
The Country Director will oversee CARE’s strategic direction and operational performance in Poland.
Strategy and leadership: Develop and implement multi-year strategies aligned with CARE’s global priorities, humanitarian standards and the needs of local communities. The role also involves promoting innovation, organisational resilience and evidence-based decision-making.
People management: Lead a diverse workforce, strengthen collaboration and accountability, manage staffing requirements and support professional development. The successful candidate will also oversee performance management and succession planning.
Fundraising and partnerships: Develop resource mobilisation strategies, build relationships with institutional and philanthropic donors, and strengthen partnerships with government agencies, civil society organisations, private sector stakeholders and United Nations agencies.
Financial and operational management: Oversee budgeting, procurement, asset management, supply chains and other operational systems. The Country Director will also manage organisational risks, safeguarding, staff security and regulatory compliance.
Programme quality and impact: Ensure that programmes are evidence-based, community-centred and gender-responsive. Responsibilities include strengthening monitoring and evaluation systems, supporting local partners and improving programme effectiveness.
Qualifications and Experience Required
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, political science, international relations, humanitarian assistance, international cooperation or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and professional experience may also be considered.
Candidates must have at least 10 years of senior managerial experience in international development and humanitarian assistance.
Additional requirements include:
- Strong financial and budget management skills.
- Experience in strategic decision-making and problem-solving.
- Proven fundraising and proposal development abilities.
- Excellent networking, partnership-building and public relations skills.
- Experience leading teams and managing complex programmes.
- Fluency in spoken and written English and Polish.
A postgraduate qualification would be an advantage. Experience working in Poland, knowledge of its political and social context, and a background in refugee response would also strengthen an application.
CARE particularly values candidates with substantial senior management experience in Poland or comparable operating environments.
Important Work Authorisation Requirements
This is a locally recruited position based in Warsaw. Applicants must currently hold and maintain legal authorisation to work in Poland.
CARE does not offer international relocation or visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates should therefore confirm their eligibility to work in Poland before applying.
The vacancy information provided does not specify the salary or application deadline. Applicants should consult the official recruitment portal for these details and any additional application requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit CARE International’s official website and navigate to its careers section to locate the Country Director – Poland vacancy.
Prepare an updated CV highlighting senior leadership experience, programme management, fundraising, financial oversight and humanitarian operations. Applicants should also demonstrate their experience building partnerships and delivering results in complex environments.
Submit the application through the official recruitment system and follow all instructions provided in the vacancy announcement.
Conclusion
The CARE International Country Director position offers an opportunity for an experienced humanitarian leader to guide programmes and operations in Poland. The successful candidate will contribute to strategic planning, organisational development, humanitarian assistance and support for refugees and host communities.
Professionals with at least 10 years of senior management experience, fluency in English and Polish, and existing authorisation to work in Poland may find this opportunity particularly relevant.
